Transfer Credit

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Equivalency Guides and Policies

Beginning fall quarter 2005, it became the University’s policy to accept a maximum 135 credits, including a maximum of 105 lower-division credits, earned at institutions fully accredited by their respective regional accrediting association. Credits are evaluated toward meeting degree requirements by Registrar Services based upon official transcripts.

Transfer courses equivalent to CWU courses will apply toward the baccalaureate degree exactly as do the CWU courses for which they are being substituted. Equivalency is established by the appropriate academic departments. Other transfer courses that have not been established as exact equivalents may also be substituted and allowed in the degree program with approval from the appropriate academic department chair and, as appropriate, college dean. Other transfer courses that are not exact equivalents may also be accepted and allowed as general electives in the degree program with approval.

Credits earned at institutions which are not fully accredited by a regional accrediting association are not accepted. Consideration for exception to this policy may be made by written petition to the dean of the appropriate college after earning a minimum of 45 credits with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

The University recognizes college credit from a number of sources, including Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and military education experience or correspondence credit. Up to 45 quarter credits can be earned from these programs.

The University endorses the Policy on Inter-College Transfer and Articulation among Washington public colleges and universities published by the Higher Education Coordinating Board. The policy deals with the rights and responsibilities of transfer students, and the review and appeal process in transfer credit disputes. Contact Registrar Services for more detailed information.

The University will accept a maximum of 105 community college credits. Additional coursework which exceeds that amount may be used to meet specific degree requirements, but additional credits will not be allowed. Credits earned in courses numbered 100 and above are generally accepted provided the courses require university-level study.

Academic associate degrees which are part of Direct Transfer Agreements (DTA) between the University and Washington community colleges will meet the general education requirement of a bachelor’s degree. Community colleges offer several kinds of associate degrees, therefore, students who plan to transfer to the University should check with their counselors to make sure they are enrolled in the appropriate degree program. Students who earned the AA degree prior to the date of DTA between the University and individual community colleges may petition the provost or his designee for acceptance of their degree to meet general education requirements.

Associate of Science degrees with transfer agreements between the University and Washington community colleges will meet the general education requirements of a bachelor’s degree when students complete additional courses at the University. Transfer students without a transferable associate degree from a Washington state community college wishing to complete such a degree must complete it by the time they have completed 45 credits or within one calendar year, whichever comes later, after initial enrollment at Central in order for the AA degree to satisfy the general education requirements at Central. A student cannot earn an associate degree and bachelor’s degree in the same quarter.

Academic transfer AA degrees from a college or university outside Washington state accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges will meet the general education requirements of a bachelor’s degree.

Students may receive credit or advanced placement, or both, depending upon the scores achieved in the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Test (AP). Students must request that their AP test scores be sent to the Registrar’s Office at Central. Scores of 3 or better on Advanced Placement Examination will be awarded as free electives for departments without specific policy.

Students will be awarded five college-level quarter credits for each score at the 50th percentile on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) humanities, social science/history and natural sciences examinations. These credits will meet the general education requirements in the appropriate areas. Students may also be awarded credit for subject examinations as determined by appropriate academic departments at the time of application for credit.

No more than 45 total quarter credits through CLEP or other sources of nontraditional credit may apply to graduation requirements. CLEP credit is not awarded for English.

Central recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) program as a coherent, challenging course of study and responds individually to each participant’s IB transcript for award of college credit. Students may be awarded credit for completing individual areas of study within the program. IB students should submit transcripts to Registrar Services, which will review their program of study and examination scores with the appropriate department chair.

Upon submission of the DD214 or DD295, matriculated students may receive up to 30 lower division elective credits for completion of military schools as recommended by the American Council on Education.

Credit will be accepted from non-U.S. institutions of higher education when (1) it has been earned at an institution linked to CWU either by a bilateral or consortial (e.g., International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) agreement, or when an institution has been certified by the CWU Office of International Studies and Programs as a legitimate, recognized institution of higher education (tertiary level) within a particular country; (2) the student has received a passing grade recognized by the institution; and (3) an official record or transcript has been received by the University.

Central Washington University offers the following undergraduate degrees:

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts and Science
Bachelor of Arts in Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Applied Science

Students wishing to earn a B.A., B.F.A, B.MUS., or B.S. degree must complete (1) the general education program; (2) a concentration of at least 60 credits which may be satisfied by a specified major, or a specified major and minor, or a specified major and courses in other fields as prescribed by the major department; (3) electives in sufficient quantity to bring the total quarter credits to 180; and (4) other degree requirements as specified. Major fields of study are listed below. Minor concentrations are offered in many fields.

Students wishing to earn a B.A.Ed. degree must complete (1) the general education program; (2) a major in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education or Special Education and minors, when appropriate; (3) the professional education foundation courses; (4) 180 total quarter credits; and (5) other general degree requirements as listed under the College of Education and Professional Studies section in this catalog. Students may select any University minor; however, students are strongly encouraged to select an endorsable teaching minor.